This provision is waived for certain applicants who qualify under state and federal statutes (incarcerated, military duty assigned outside the state of Missouri or disabled under ADA). Please call ahead for instructions.

Valid identification containing date of birth.

A Social Security number will be required. If you do not have one, you must sign a form stating you have no Social Security number.

Applicants are responsible for delivering the license to the person who solemnizes their marriage.

The Officiate must complete the license, have two witnesses sign it (18 yrs of age or older), and return it to the County Recorder’s office within fifteen days from the ceremony.

The license is then recorded, scanned for preservation and remains on file permanently in the County Recorder’s office.

It is important that you verify all information with your local County County Recorder’s office before making a trip to purchase your marriage license.

Foreign applicants must present their valid government issued ID along with a certified English translation of all non-English identification used. If a translator is needed, arrangements for an appointment with your local County Recorder’s office must be made well in advance.

Marriage Residency Requirement Missouri:

No. Missouri does not have a residency requirement for marriage licenses.

Missouri minimum age to get married is 16 and anyone under 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian.

Missouri will not issue marriage licenses if one party is under 18 and the other is 21 or older.

Identification is required of all parties. Each marriage applicant must also show their Social Security number. The following documents will be accepted:

Age 16

Birth certificate (legal, certified)

Social Security card

Valid government issued photo ID

Custodial parent to give consent

Age 18

Birth certificate (legal, certified)

Social Security card

Valid government issued photo ID

Age 19 and over

Valid government issued photo ID

Social Security card (If the Social Security number is not on the ID presented)

Consenting parents

Valid government issued photo ID

If divorced, court papers to prove custody

Proxy Marriages Missouri:

No.

Cousin Marriages Missouri:

No. Blood relatives, down to and including first cousins, may not marry under the laws of the State of Missouri.

Common Law Marriages Missouri:

Yes.

Solemnize Marriages Missouri:

Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Marriages may also be solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge. Marriages may also be solemnized by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of this state, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when either party to the marriage to be solemnized is a member of such society, institution or organization.

Expiration Date of Marriage License:

The marriage license is valid for only 30 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere within the State of Missouri.

A Missouri marriage license must be used for a ceremony within 30 days after pick-up.

If a marriage ceremony does not occur, the license shall be void after thirty days from the date of issuance.

A Missouri marriage license is not valid for use outside of the State of Missouri.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Additional information can be found at www.mo.gov.

Local Officiants

Marriage Records

Birth Certificate

Marriage Records

Birth Certificate

Search by State

State Laws marriage requirements to obtain and file a marriage license to receive certified copy of your marriage certificate from clerk’s office upon request.